Should seed soak water be discarded?

Gwyn Delaney

Posts: 3

posted 4 years ago

I have read some conflicting advice for what should be done with the soak water for nuts and seeds. Some places online say to use it as it contains a lot of nutrients and enzymes. Other places I was reading, it clearly states that it should be discarded - because it contains enzyme inhibitors, phytic acid or other toxins.

I'd appreciate to hear from someone who understands the chemistry etc.

John Polk

master steward

Posts: 8018

Location: Currently in Lake Stevens, WA. Home in Spokane

269

posted 3 years ago

1

I don't see any harm in using it on established plants.
Perhaps it should not be used on seeds/seedlings of other species.

Gwyn Delaney

Posts: 3

posted 3 years ago

Thank you for the reply John. Reading my post again, I should apologise as I was not clear in my question Also, maybe I posted in the wrong forum - it was the closest I could find yesterday to get the info I'm looking for.

Basically my question is to do with preparing raw seeds - e.g. sunflower, pumpkin, hemp etc. - for eating, by soaking them first.

Some types of seeds, after soaking for the first time, release a lot of their nutrients, oils etc into the water - and it seems a shame to throw it away. I was thinking I could use it as a stock? But not if it would contain anti-nutrients or stuff that should not be consumed. Or maybe when boiled these anti-nutrients - if present - would evaporate?

PS. If this is in the wrong forum, maybe someone who has privileges could move it to the right place.. thanks..

David Hartley

Posts: 258

posted 3 years ago

Soak water from many types of nuts, grains, legumes, seeds and even some vegetables should (ideally) not be consumed... I would think that repurposing into the garden would be fine(?)

There are different reasons for soaking, sooo there isn't one clear answer: tannins, phyto-nutrients, acids, oxalic and other acids, etc.

She has an amazing book - wads of information, and she only recommends drinking the water from soaking fenugreek (3 pages discussing the role of anti-nutrients within seeds for sprouting).

Gwyn Delaney

Posts: 3

posted 3 years ago

David - Thanks for your reply. I'm not growing anything right now, but I'll remember this tip for the spring when growing herbs

James - Thanks for your reply. I actually just recently bought a large bag of fenugreek seed. I'm looking forward to sprouting it. Still in a phase of learning about everything as you can probably tell! There's some good info on that site you linked to. I like when there's a lot of detail so I think I will get her book also

Elisabeth Tea

Posts: 53

posted 3 years ago

I've never had the guts to soak/sprout fenugreek on its own, because of its muciligenic properties, but I've enjoyed it a lot in blends. My soak water is saved for plants, as David already mentioned.